Dokument #1116901

RFE/RL – Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Bomb At Pakistan Political Rally Kills Five In Quetta

Officials in Pakistan say at least five people have been killed and 10 or so others injured in a bomb explosion at a political rally in the southwestern Balochistan Province.

Officials say the July 13 attack targeted a gathering of the secular Awami National Party in Kuchlak, a town near the provincial capital, Quetta.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the remote-controlled bomb, which was reportedly attached to a cycle near the stage.

Pakistani media reports suggest the remote-controlled bomb was attached to a bicycle or motorcycle that had been set close to the stage.

Impoverished Balochistan sees frequent violence, including from separatist rebels who have been fighting since 2004 for political autonomy and a greater share of profits from the region's oil, gas, and mineral resources.

The region also sees attacks involving Islamist militants linked to the Taliban, and sectarian violence between majority Sunni and minority Shi'ite Muslims.